The Year of the Word 2020-2021
“Christ Jesus is knocking at our door in the words of sacred Scripture. If we hear his voice and open the doors of our minds and hearts, then he will enter our lives and remain ever with us”
(Pope Francis Aperuit illis 9)
In these years 2020 to 2022, Bishop Philip is inviting everyone in the Diocese of Portsmouth to undertake, by God’s grace, a period of intense, spiritual renewal. The overall purpose of our Diocese is Bringing People Closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. The purpose of these special years is to grow in faith so that we might be better equipped for mission and service.
In 2020, we join the other Dioceses of England and Wales in keeping a ‘Year of God’s Word’. The Year has now been officially extended into 2021.
This Year is a unique opportunity for the Diocese as a whole, for our parishes and schools, for clergy and faithful, for families and individuals, to get to love and know the Bible better as a library of sacred literature that brings us into union with Jesus our Lord and Saviour and inspires us by the Holy Spirit to conversion of mind, will and heart.
The COVID lockdown gave us an opportunity to step back from the busyness of life. It gave us a chance to pray more, using the Scriptures. In the months ahead, let’s continue to find time and space for the Lord.
What is it about?
4 Hopes for the Year
1
Let’s try to know the Bible better,
to understand its messages and
to love it,
as the
“words of God in words of men”
2
Let’s read the Bible allowing Jesus the Word of God to touch our hearts, change our thinking,
direct our wills
and
transform our actions,
sending us out on mission and service
3
Let’s really get to know one of the Gospels well
4
Let’s prepare well for Sunday Mass
by reading and reflecting
in advance
on the Scriptures
we will hear
Events
YOW Podcast
Sharing God's Word
There are so many ways to share Gods' word together. Here you can find some great creative ways to engage with the Bible and to share it with others!
Visit our diocesan website dedicated to the Year of the Word
"God becomes known through the dialogue which He desires to have with us"
Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI